New, Returning Sponsors Help Boost Show

DETROIT, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- A large number of first-time sponsors have joined with returning sponsors to support industry and media initiatives at the 2015 North American International Auto Show at Detroit's Cobo Center, Jan. 12-25.

"Sponsors are critically important to the success of the show," said Scott LaRiche, chairman, NAIAS 2015. "Many Tier One auto supplier sponsors use the event to announce and showcase their latest technologies and product developments. It's these corporations as well as our media partners that provide invaluable marketing and promotions support. This year, a record-setting 141 companies will serve as NAIAS sponsors."

Premier Sponsor Michelin (michelin.com), one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, is back for the 27th year as a legacy sponsor of the NAIAS with the bigger, better and more conveniently located Michelin Media Center. Now situated in the 40,000 square foot Grand Riverview Ballroom for closer proximity to the action, the center will provide a 100' x 20' screen to keep media updated on real-time social feeds as they file their stories. The high-tech, integrated media center also will provide more than 1,000 working seats, a computer center, catered café, lounge, coat check and other amenities for the 5,000+ credentialed journalists expected to attend from more than 60 countries. In addition, Michelin will generate relevant, interesting, sharable content through its MEGAFEED that can be followed at http://www.live.michelinmedia.com and invites journalists and consumers to submit their own auto show content for distribution as well.

The Steel Market Development Institute (autosteel.org), a new Premier Sponsor, will host a casual, conversational space for automotive designers, engineers and media to explore the advantages of today's advanced, high-strength steels. The booth will be in the Grand Riverview Ballroom in front of the Michelin Media Center during Press Preview and Industry Preview and will feature steel's contribution to some of the world's lightest, strongest and most fuel-efficient trucks, cars and SUVs.

In addition to Michelin and The Steel Market Development Institute, the following companies are Premier Sponsors, the highest level of NAIAS sponsorship: Delta Air Lines, DENSO, Johnson Controls, KPMG, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and ZF.

New Official Sponsor Verizon, one of the largest communications technology companies in the world, will take residence on the main show floor at NAIAS. Verizon will make a significant news announcement at its press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 12:50 pm.

Shell, another new NAIAS Official Sponsor, will construct the Shell Innovation Track onsite in Hall E (former Michigan Hall) to demonstrate ultra-energy efficient vehicles designed by teams of Michigan students. The trial runs will provide NAIAS attendees a sneak-peek at the vehicles that are set to compete in the "Shell Eco-marathon Americas" on the streets of downtown Detroit, April 9-12, 2015.

Other NAIAS Official Sponsors include Ally Financial Inc. returning to NAIAS for its second year as Official Social Media Partner and host of the uber-cool Social Media Garage on the main show floor. Aisin, AutoTrader.com, Cars.com, MSN Autos/Motor Trend, Panasonic Automotive, Pandora, PR Newswire and Schaeffler are the additional Official Sponsors.

Other new sponsors include: FirstMerit Bank as Presenting Sponsor of Charity Preview, the FIA World Endurance Championship, Hella, Hewlett Packard, Hitachi, Nexteer Automotive, Sika Automotive, Unique Fabricating and Valeo. In addition, Shinola will present a "pop-up" store at NAIAS in the Cobo Concourse. More than 25 companies will exhibit their latest automotive technologies in Technology Showcase in Hall E during Press Preview and Industry Preview. Tickets for Industry Preview can be purchased at naias.com.

MacuHealth and Opportunity Detroit will serve as Presenting Sponsors of The Gallery, the ultra-luxury automotive showcase on Jan. 10, at MGM Grand Detroit, The Gallery's host hotel. Tappers Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, Shinola, EsquireandRoad and Track also have stepped up as NAIAS sponsors. A portion of the proceeds from the invitation-only evening will benefit Henry Ford Hospital. Tickets for this exclusive evening are available at 248.283.5126.

About the North American International Auto Show

Now in its 27th year as an international event, the NAIAS is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world, providing unparalleled access to the automotive products, people and ideas that matter most - up close and in one place. Administered by Executive Director Rod Alberts, the NAIAS is one of the largest media events in North America, and the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world.

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